Cowardly, inconsiderate, or even sinful: these are some of the words people often use to describe the act of suicide. These attributes largely contribute to the stigmatization of people at risk, preventing them from getting the mental health care they need. Awareness and understanding of the topic are essential to overcome the stigma surrounding suicide and actively prevent it.
Learning the Facts
Statistics still reveal the struggle people experience with suicide. According to the CDC, it is still one of the leading causes of death in the United States. While it occurs within an extensive age range and in all races/ethnicities, some populations have higher suicide rates than others. Other groups including veterans, people who identify as LGBTQ, and construction workers are at a higher risk for suicidal behaviors
Busting the Myths
People who are considering suicide are not purposely trying to hurt their families or get revenge. They are not “out of their minds”, or unwilling to seek help and even less barred from going to heaven. Oftentimes a person who is suicidal may present biological traits (family history of suicide, chronic pain, medical issues), and/or experience psychological pain (depression or trauma, shame) and/or social struggles (loss of friends, rejection, unstable relationships, bulling, legal problems). Suicide then becomes a way of stopping the pain they are enduring.
Preventing Suicide
Everyone has a part to play in preventing suicide. From families, friends, and those in the community, when awareness is increased, action can be taken. Knowing some common behaviors that people exhibit when contemplating suicide is an essential way of learning to identify someone at risk of suicide and preventing it. Some warning signs include talking about “not being around” in the foreseeable future, showing increasingly risky behaviors (e.g. extreme mood swings, changes in habits), preoccupation with death, giving away belongings and saying goodbye.
Talking about suicide is relevant and important for all parties involved. Mental health support is essential in suicide prevention. Therapy is a great way to assess the severity of suicidal behaviors and establish a plan to reduce the psychological pain and stress of the patient. Many approaches such as CBT, DBT and EMDR can be used to restore the client’s sense of self and their ability to cope with life stressors should a crisis arise in the future.
John 3:17 states, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” God has compassion on us, and just like those who are standing on the side of “rescue and response” when someone is suicidal, God cares. He is aware of how bad they are feeling, He knows and understands that they may not believe that they can be helped, but He is here and so are we here at Wellspring.
For more Wellspring articles about suicide, click here.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, tell someone. With the national suicide support hotline (call or text 988), it is easier than ever to reach out and connect to someone for help. If you are in imminent danger do not hesitate, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
The National Suicide Hotline number changed as of July 16th, 2022. Take a moment to update this number in your phone.
